Research programme Theoretical Physics - EPSRC graduate studentships Theoretical Physics

What an EPSRC studentship gives you

You will be offered a fully-funded PhD place in Theoretical Physics at a British university. For 2026/27, the full scholarship covers your tuition fees (approximately 5,238 GBP per year, around 6,000 EUR) as well as a tax-free living allowance of 21,805 GBP per year (approximately 25,200 EUR, higher if you are studying in London). A scholarship is a regular living allowance that you do not have to repay. You will also receive a research training grant of approximately 5,000 GBP (around 5,800 EUR) to cover laboratory and material costs. Funding typically lasts for 42 months (3.5 years) or up to 4 years if the programme begins with a one-year research master’s degree. Additional funding for travel, conferences and a grant for students with disabilities may also be available. The funding comes from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), a UK research council within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It supports theoretical work with a focus on physics or mathematics, such as quantum field theory, gravitation, string theory, condensed matter theory and statistical physics.

Who can apply

• Degree: As a rule, you will hold a first-class honours degree (a 2:1) or an equivalent combination of qualifications and professional experience. Many universities require a first-class honours degree or a degree with a grade of 2:1, as well as a Master’s degree in a related subject area.
• Field: You are undertaking a PhD in theoretical or mathematical physics within the EPSRC’s remit. Projects in particle physics and cosmology, however, are funded by the STFC, not here.
• Residence: To be eligible for the full grant, you must have lived in the United Kingdom for at least the last 3 years and be settled here, i.e. you must be living here without immigration restrictions. If you are not a British or EU national, your stay in the United Kingdom must not have been primarily for educational purposes.
• EU and Irish nationals: EU citizens with settled status (or who have registered for the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021) and Irish nationals may apply on the same terms as British students.
• International students: You are also welcome to apply. International students may occupy a maximum of 30% of the places, and your tuition fee support is limited to the amount of UK tuition fees.

How to apply

You do not apply directly to the EPSRC. The universities receive the funding and advertise the PhD positions themselves. You therefore apply to a university that has EPSRC funding for theoretical physics. As a rule, you will need to submit a CV, a personal statement and references. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview, following which the university makes a decision.

How realistic are your chances?

The academic requirements are high (a very good 2:1, often a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree), and the residency requirements limit the pool of applicants for full scholarships, with the number of places for international students capped at 30%. If you clearly meet the academic and residency requirements and are a good fit for a supervisor’s project, your prospects are good. As each place is allocated by the respective university, it is advisable to approach potential supervisors at an early stage and to apply as soon as places become available.